Gay Marriage Decision Goes to Voters

Posted: Sat 5:00 PM, May 21, 2005&nbsp|&nbsp

Updated: Sat 6:03 PM, May 21, 2005

5-21-05- A proposed constitutional ban on same-sex marriages in Texas now rests in the hands of voters after winning approval in the Senate today. If approved in a statewide vote in November, Texas would join 14 states that statutorily and constitutionally ban same-sex marriage.

State law already prohibits same-sex marriages. This amendmentwould define marriage as between one man and one woman.

The House narrowly passed the proposal last month.

Opponents have criticized the ban as discrimination against gaysand lesbians. They say it could also harm heterosexual families ifdomestic partner benefits, powers of attorney and common law marriage are called into question.

But Senator Todd Staples, a republican from Palestine and Senatesponsor of the legislation, said none of those scenarios would beaffected.

Online Public Information File

Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this station's FCC Public Inspection File by contacting the station with the information listed below. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or fccinfo@fcc.gov.